True Crime Garage

The Phantom Killer /// Part 1 /// 887

Nov 26, 2025
In a chilling tale, the story of the Phantom Killer unfolds, haunting Texarkana since 1946. Young couples faced a terrifying attacker under the moonlight, leading to a series of brutal assaults and murders. Key details emerge about the victims, their harrowing experiences, and the social context impacting investigations. The mystery deepens with debates on whether earlier assaults were linked to the murders, and patterns hint at a calculated predator. As fear grips the town, the legend of the Phantom Killer lives on.
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INSIGHT

Police Skepticism Reflects Social Biases

  • Authorities suspected the victims knew their attacker partly because both were married to others and investigators questioned credibility.
  • Nic argues social context and fear of reprisal could explain survivors' reticence rather than collusion.
INSIGHT

Escalation From Assault To Serial Murders

  • After the Hollis/Larray assault, murders began within weeks, showing rapid escalation from assault to killing.
  • Texarkana entered a panic as multiple double homicides suggested a serial attacker on weekend nights.
ANECDOTE

Griffin And Moore Double Homicide

  • On March 24, 1946, Richard Griffin (29) and Polly Ann Moore (17) were found shot in an Oldsmobile at a lover's lane.
  • Investigators found .32 caliber shell casings and suspected both had been killed outside and placed back in the car.
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